Electric fuse setter



Sept. 23, 1947. J. H. BORDEN ELECTRIC FUSE SETTER Filed July 3, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Joseph HJEmr den BY 0 C A NEYS Sept. 23, 1947.

J. H. BORDEN 2,427,895 ELECTRIC FUSE SETTE R Fiied July 5, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Hm mun SITTINGZONK INVENTOR LID 5E hH-E1urda1-1 ATl'OR Ys 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 $3 w an ab INVENTOR dose 11 H E|:rdEn

' ATTORNEYS Sept. 23, 1947. J. H. BORDEN ,4

' ELECTRIC FUSE SETTER Filed Julyfi, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 01M hub INVENTOR' Jase h. ILEmr-den BY d ATTOR EYS (Sup/1710m- Patented Sept. 23, 1947 ELECTRIC FUSE SETTER Joseph H. Borden, Philadelphia, Pa., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Westinghouse Electric Corporation, a corporation of Pennsylvania Application July 3, 1941, Serial No. 401,016

24 Claims.

The present invention relates to a fuse setting 7 machine for high explosive shells and more particularly it has reference to means whereby a mechanical time fuse is set with a high degree of accuracy in the shortest possible time.

For effective antiaircraft fire it is necessary that the shells be fused so that they explode in the vicinity of a fast moving target. The time of flight of the succeeding shells to the target constantly changes due to changes in speed of the target, changes in the elevation of the target and changes in the angle of fire of the shell. Accordingly, the fuse on each individual shell of ammunition must be capable of being constantly adjusted during the time the guns are being sighted on the target.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a fuse setter which incorporates a Selsyn control and a Ward Leonard or variable voltage drive to effect the instantaneous automatic and accurate setting of a fuse by the machine.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a fuse setter which sets the timing means of a fuse in the shortest possible time and with a greater degree of accuracy than existing heretofore.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a compact arrangement of the elements necessary with the Selsyn and variable voltage control so that the fuse setter is readily portable.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a fuse setter which effects an instantaneous change in the setting of a fuse in accordance with signals from a remote point, and during a previously initiated setting operation up to the instant of removal of an inserted round from the fuse setter.

A further object of the present invention is to provide means to set a fuse which are fully automatic and the only manual work required of the fuse operator is to insert and remove the shell.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, my invention resides in the novel arrangement and combination of elements necessary to produce a fuse setter of the type hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed may be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

A practical embodiment of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals and figures indicate like elements.

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of my fuse setter, largely diagrammatic and schematic.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the top of the fuse setter.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the top of my modified fuse setter.

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are enlarged views and dis- 7' close the arrangement of electrical switches 51. 58, 59a and 59 relative to themovable disc and gear ring l2. Fig. 6 discloses a modified arrangement of the switch of Fig. 4.

Figs. '7, 8 and 9 represent schematic views of the positions of the electrical switch SH (shell high rate) in respective successive stages as its pawl member l6 rides on the outside surface of a shell inserted in my fuse setter. These three views approximate a cross section, looking from the base of the shell toward the nose thereof.

Figs. 10, 11 and 12 represent a schematic View of respective positions of the electrical switch SL (shell low rate) as the member H rides on the outside surface of the shell. The last described three views also approximate a cross section looking from the base of the shell toward the nose thereof.

Figs. 13, 14 and 15 represent a schematic View of respective positions of the electrical switch FH (fuse high rate) as the member Ill" rides on the outside surface of the rotating element of the fuse as the fuse holder 2 is rotated. The last mentioned three views correspond to a cross sec tion looking from the tip point of the fuse toward the base of the shell. I

Figs. l6, l7 and 18 represent a schematic view of the positions of the electrical switch FL (fuse low rate) as the member I l" rides on the outside surface of the'fuse. The last mentioned three views correspond to a cross section looking from the tip point of the fuse toward the base of the shell.

Fig. 19 is a wiring diagram and associated apparatus.

Fig. 20 is a wiring diagram of the modified arrangement.

Fig. 21 is an enlarged detail of the plunger in switch 31-1 at an initial position after insertion of a shell in the shell holder, the operative position of the groove and fiat of the finding recess in the shell being dotted.

The elements of the fuse setter consist essentially of a Selsyn receiver (SNR) a torque amplifier (TA), individual variable voltage drives for mechanical fuse and shell coupling arrangements and electrical relays and switch contacts disposed so as to control the energization of the electric drive proper. The fuse is of the type which is set for a given time by rotation of the fuse tip and the degree of rotation is a measure of the timing of the fuse.

Referring to the drawings, the housing 1 encases the fuse-engaging member 2 (hereinafter referred to as the fuse holder), and the shellengaging member 22 (hereinafter referred to as the shell holder). The housing I also supports the fuse-driving motor FM, the shell-driving motor SM, the Selsyn receiver SNR. and the for the fuse setter energization and position of the conventional The Selsyn Selsyn transmitter (not shown).

the angular position of the Selsyn receiver bears a definite relationship to the signal sent from I the central control station.

The Selsyn receiver armature shaft :6 is mechanically coupled to the torque amplifier TA. The torque amplifier TA may be of the hydraulic type already well known in which the angular position of the output shaft bears a definite linear relationship to the angular position of the input shaft within the limits of the torque transmitted. The output shaft of the torque amplifier (Fig. 1) is mechanically coupled to the gear l2 through gears 8, 8 and 9. Thegear I2 includes a large disc body and rotates about the centrally disposed hollow shaft ll on bearings l9 and 20 located in the hub member l8 of gear i2.

Cam lugs or lobes l4 and II, Figs. 2 and l, are fastened on the underside of the gear l2 so as to extend beyond the outer periphery thereof. The cams l4 and II actuate electrical switches 59, 59a, 5'! and 58 (mounted on a rotatable switch carrying member 3) by means of cam followers comprising first order levers as switch arms which carry cam wiper rollers I3, I31: and if), respectively and have movable switch contacts at their outer .ends. These switches are carried by the circumference of a circle concentric with the gear I2. The arms of switches 59, 5900 are pivoted about points 86 and 81 on the member 3 and are coupled together by a member 35 which may be considered as a spring tending to open each switch-independently, opposed by each wiper to close the respective switch thereof when engaged on the cam. An inspection of Figs. 2 and 5 will disclose that there is one position of the cam M. in which these two switches are both open with the cam l4 between the two switches, and engaging both rollers. This is an important or set position and will hereinafter be referred to as the neutral position. The switches 5'! and 58 include respective contacts fixed on rotatable member 3 and two relatively movable contacts on the arm 56, the latter arm being pivoted about the point 89 on the member 3. The compression spring 38 engaged with arm 56 causes the switches 5'! and .58 to be normally closed and they are opened when the roller IE1 rides on the cam ll within the region designated as the setting zone (Fig. 4). Contacts on the arm 58 of switches 51 and 58, Fig. 4, are electrically insulated from the metallic arm 56 by the layer of insulation 9|]. .It should be noted that the cam lobe I4 is of greater angular extent in each direction, than the cam II, from a diametrical line passing medially through the cam ll.

The fuse setter incorporates two Ward Leonard drives, (according to a system first shown in Patent No. 468,100 to Harry Ward Leonard, Feb. 2, 1892, and. perfected further in Gietman 2,220,- 644, Borden 2,351,316 and others). One of the Ward Leonard drives isused for the fuse-holding means and the "other is used for the shell-holding means mounted on the housin I. The motor (Fig. l) for driving the shell-holding means, hereinafter termed the shell motor and desig hated as SM is mechanically coupled to the rotatable platform l5 through motor shaft 4, gears 5 and 36, and the hollow centrally disposed shaft ll. Therefore, upon energizing of the shell motor the platform i5 and the shell-holding means are rotated. Upon rotation of the platform l5 due to the shell motor SM the gear 12 tends to be rotated in the same direction in an equal amount since the torque amplifier TA offers sufficient resistance to prevent rotation of gear 8; The slip rings 29 fastened to the shaft ll also rotate upon rotation of the shell motor SM. The pointer 60 and numerals 6! on gear 52 and platform I5 respectively serve to indicate the displacement between platform l5 and gear The shell holder 22 is'formed to accommodate and engage a truncatedcone section such as a portion of the body of a shell, as shown in Fig. 1, or corresponding fuse base or body fixed on the shell. The shell holder 22' is rotatable with the platform l5 by the gears38 and 6, and the shaft d of the shell motor SM. It moves in a clockwise direction as viewed from above in Fig. 1.

The motor FM (Fig. l) hereinafter referred to as the fuse motor is adapted to rotate the fuse holder 2 and the flanged member 3 (within which the cam Wiper rollers 13. ltd, it and associated switches are located) initially in a counterclockwise direction, andsubsequen-tly in either direction as determined by the Selsyn transmitter and responding receiver.- The member 3 is rotatable by the motor FM through gears 3i and l on bearings 23 and 25about the center axis of the fuse setter proper. The fuse holder 2 is interiorly shaped to conform to the sides of the fuse Q3 and is driven by the gears 32 and 33. The annular inwardly bulged metal section l-l which is integral with the fuse holder 2 limits the travel of the inserted fuse 33 and tends to hold it in inserted position by wedging action. The fuse holder 2 rotates on the bearings 81 and 82 whereas the shell holder 22 rotates independently of the fuse holder 2 on the bearings 83 and 84.

Slip rings 25 are mounted on the rotatable member 3 and serve as electrical connections to switches 57, 58, 59a and 59..

The switches SH: (shell, high rate), SL- (shell, low rate), on one hand, and FH (fuse, high rate) and FL (fuse, low rate) on the other hand (Figs. 7 00 18) are actuated in accordance with the positions of the shell and fuse respectively in their respective holders. The shell has a slot with a lateral flat surface 25 having a low side terminating at a longitudinalgroove 21 disposed on its outer surface and the members ill and l l (which may be termed pawls') incorporated in the shell holder 22 actuatethe switches SH and SL by engaging the fiat and groove in the manner illustrated in Figs. '7, 8,9 and 21 and Figs. 10, 11 and l2, respectively. The springs l2 and B3 are tension springs which tend to rotate the members 48' and ll in a clockwise direction around the points l4 and I5, respectively so that when no shell is inserted in the shell holder the switches SH and SL are both open and the pawls extended. As shOWn in Fig 21, the pawl members H) and H actuate the metal levers it and ll through compression springs 18 incorporated within the body of the members l5 and M respectively. When engaged in the grooves, the pawls act as keys to-fi-x the holders with the inserted shell or fuse members. When so engaged, the holder may be said to be oriented and keyed to the fuse or shell, as the case may be. m

The fuse also has a slot with a fiat surface and a groove disposed on its outer surface the same as those on the shell and the members Ill" and H incorporated in the fuse holder 2 actuate the switches FH and FL in the manner illustrated in Figs. 13, 14, 15, and Figs. 16, 17 and 18, respectively. The springs l2" and I 3" are tension springs which tend to rotate the members l6" and 11" in a clockwise direction around the points I4" and I5", respectively so that when no fuse is inserted in the fuse holder the switches FH and FL are both open and the pawls projected. The rigid members l0" and II" actuate the metal levers I6" and I?" through compression springs I8 and I9 within the body of the members ID and H respectively.

It may be understood from the foregoing description that the springs l8, I9, I8, IS" in the members in, II, III, II respectively are strong enough to overbalance the forces of the springs I2, l3, I2 and I3", so as to open the switches. In order to permit closure of the switches at the proper times, the relative movement of the pawl member and switch arm may be limited, as, for instance, shown in Fig. 21, so as to permit the springs [3 etc., to open the switches. A stop 4| is provided on the member I0 to engage a headed member 42 extended from the arm I6 so that the distal end of the member [0 can be thrust toward the shell only a short distance. By location of this stop for a very limited sliding movement the switch will function as in Fig. 8, opening by engagement of the pawl on the fiat 26 but by allowing a greater relative movement of the pawl on the part 42, the switch will remain closed when the pawl engages the flat 26, as in Fig. 11.

Slip rings 39 and 40 on the shell holder and fuse holder respectively serve as connections to the switches SH, SL, on the one hand, and FH and FL on the other.

Cut-out switches 45, Fig. 1, which may be similar to the SH and SL type switches in structure and operation, are mounted on depending projections 26 and 2| of the shell holder and fuse holder housing I. With no shell inserted in the fuse setter, both of the switches 45 are open and their pawls or plungers 22 and 23' extended into the shell receivin space. The switch operating members 22' and 23 make contact with the inserted shell at a point where the diameter of the shell is a desired maximum. The switches are so constructed that it is necessary that the shell be fully inserted in the fuse holder before the pair of switches 45 are both closed.

The flats and grooves 26-21 referred to on shell 36 and fuse 43 are the conventional ones of a form familiar heretofore, formed on the shell body and fuse head of fuses used in mechanical hand-operated fuse setters in the service of the United States, the flats having been heretofore used to guard against pawls or finders jumping the grooves, while I have obtained an additional function therefrom, as will appear. As is known, the grooves extend longitudinally toward the nose to the adjacent periphery of the fuse head and base, so that after completion of a setting operation the shell may be easily and quickly withdrawn without operating any release devices.

The shell driving means The diagram of electrical connections for the fuse motor is disclosed in Fig. 19.

incorporated Referring to Fig. 19, the shell holder 22 and the fuse holder 2 are driven by the variable voltage motors SM and FM, respectively. The motor SM is regulated by controlling the field SGFC (shell generator field clockwise) of the variable voltage shell generator SG and switching means S2 inserted in the power leads between the shell motor SM and its energizing shell generator SG. The motor FM is regulated by controlling the fields FGFC (fuse generator field clockwise) or FGFCC of generator FG and switching means F3 inserted between the motor FM and generator FG. Generators SG and FG are driven mechanically by motors M1 and M2 respectively, which may be constantly operating during actual combat use of.

this fuse setter and may be operated by current supply available exteriorly of the fuse setter system. The shell holder 22 causes operation of the switches SH and SL and the fuse holder 2 causes operation of the switches FH and FL in the manner described above. The shaft 4 of the shell motor SM is encircled by an electromagnetic shell brake SB (not shown in Fig. 1) of the type wherein the encircled shaft is prevented from rotating so long as the electromagnet is in a deenergized condition. Electromagnetic brakes such as SB are used extensively in the elevator control art. The brake SB may partake of the character of a mechanical friction disc which produces a continuous drag on the shell motor driving shaft. It is noted that the shell motor SM is energized and the brake SB is released only when the shell relay SR is energized because of the normally open contacts S1 and S2 on the relay SR, which are connected in series with the brake SB and the power leads of the motor SM, respectively. In order to energize the relay SR it is necessar that the shell switches 45 and the switches SL be closed. The switch 45 is closed by the shell proper only when it has been fully inserted in the fuse setter as indicated in Fig. 1. Tests have indicated that without the presence of the switches 45, upon removal of the shell from th fuse setter the fuse would on many occasions actuate the shell low finding switch SL to circuit closing position and thus the shell motor SM would be rotated and perhaps cause the fuse to assume an erroneous position. This condition does not exist now because the switches 45 are actuated only when an inner portion of the shell having a certain maximum diameter is placed between these switches. The switch SL is open when the shell is removed from the fuse setter and also, when, as indicated in Fig. 12, the switch actuating member l I is in the shell slot.

Also, upon energization of shell relay SR the shell generator field coil SGFC of generator SG is energized through switch S3. The resistor R is connected in series with the field SGFC and is short circuited when the shell high rate finding switch SH is closed. The switch SH is arranged to be open when no shell is inserted in the fuse setter and also when the shell is inserted and the member ID rests on the shell fiat portion 26 or in the groove 21. The switch SH is closed when the member [0 rides on the outer surface of the shell and consequently during that time the strength of the field SGFC is increased so that there is greater driving torque available for turning the shell holder 22 rapidly toward its final, or aligned and keyed position. As the shell holder approaches its final position in relation to the shell the member l0 rides on the fiat portion 26 of the shell 36, Fig. 8 and the switch SH opens, thus reducing the available driving torque arrests on the holder 22. This feature brings enact a smooth control because the shell motor SM is gradually brought to its final. resting position,

The fuse driving means.

The fuse driving motor FM may be energized from the variable voltage fuse generator FG by energizing fuse relay FR, relay SFHR '(she'll fuse high rate relay), relay LCR (low rate clockwise relay) or relay LCCR (low rate counterclockwise 'r'elay) Relay FR is connected directly across the line through switch FL, which is closed when the member H rides on the outer surface or the flat surface 26 of fuse 43. Switch FL is open when there is no fuse in the setter or when the r'nember H" is in the slot of the fuse. It is clear then that when the fuse 43 is inserted in the setter the fuse motor FM will, be energized by closing of the switch FL acting through relay FR and switch F3, and the fuse holder 2 will be caused to rotate.

After the shell is aligned or keyed, as described in the preceding section, and the fuse holder is aligned r keyed, as described in the first part of this paragraph, the relays FR and SR. are do energized. It is necessary that the relays FR and SR. be deenergized before the switches 59a and 59 are caused to assume the neutral position; this is so because it is necessary that the normally closed contacts F4 and S4.'Of1 relays FR and SR. be closed before relays 'SFI-IR and LCR, or LCCR are energized. It is clear from Fig. 19 that energization of relays SFHR, LCR or LCCR will cause the fuse motor FM to be energized. The relays SFHR, LCR, and LCCR are all deenerg'ized when the fuse setter is in the set or neutral position. .In the neutral position the normally closed switches 51 and 58 open, thus causing, inter alia, the relaySFI-IR to be deener'gized and the associated switch SFHz to open. As a matter of fact the switches 51 and 58 remain open when the switches 59a and 59 are rotated a slight angular distance from the neutral position as will appear obvious from Figs. 2,4 and 5. The range within which the switches '51 and 58 are open is termed the setting zone.

In summary, after the fuse and shell slots are individually aligned (that is keyed) with their respective pawls within the fuse setter, the relays FR and SR are deenerg-ized, and as in Fig. 19 allow the SFHR relay to become energized through the switch 58 thus causing the fuse motor FM to be operated; fuse motor PM will be operated by the influence of relay SFHR. only so long as the cam follower roller In is outside the setting zone. When the roller [0 first comes within the setting Zone either switch or 59 will have been closed, effecting the energization of either relay LCR or LCCR. The energization of relay LCR. or LCGR effects the closure of the fuse motor armature circuit but the direction of rotation of the fuse motor FM is controlled by the shunt winding FGFC which is energized throughswitch L02 on relay LCR or by the energization of winding FGFCC through switch LC'Cz on relay LC'CR as the case may be. As the switches 59a, and 59 are displaced from the neutral position it is obvious that switch 59a closes and switch 59 opens or vice versa sothat the rollers of these switches follow the cam lobe is and assume the final position=+the neutral position"automatically. If for any reason the neutral position were passed, the mecha nism would automatically reverse the fuse motor and the neutral position would be regained after this reversal. It is noted that the relay is energized and the associated switch SF is closed only during the time the relays SFHR, LCR or LCCR are energized, i. 6., after the shell holder and fuse holder have been aligned and also during the time the fuse setter is adjusted to the neutral position and switches S4 and F4 are closed due to deenergization of SR, following opening of SL. The switch 51 serves to short circuit the current which would normally flow through the switch LCC2 and resistance R1 during the time the switch 51 is being rotated toward the setting zone and thus serves to speed up the counterclockwise rotation of the fuse motor shaft. The switch 51 is open when the cam follower IO is in the setting zone and alsoin the neutral position of cam l4, and hence the speed of the fuse motor shaft is lowered due to the series connection of the resistor R1, in the event that either ,switch 59a or 59 is operated by a subsequent small change in relative position of the gear I2 and the three switches last named.

The switch FH is closed during the time the fuse holder 2 is being aligned by the fuse motor and the resistor R2 serves to slow down the fuse 1- motor when the member Ill rides on the flat portion 26 of the fuse, opening this switch, as in Fig. 14. During the time that the member [0" rides on the outer surface of the fuse the switch FH is closed and this brings about a speeding up of the fuse motor during the initial stages of the aligning process since the resistor R2 is short circuited by the switch FI-I.

When the gear I2 is in the neutral position, relay SFR, is the only relay that is energized. It is important to remember that the neutral position of the gear 12 corresponds to a given fuse setting and is controlled from a remote control station. In firing an antiaircraft battery effectively, it is inherently necessary in the majority of cases to fire succeeding shells with varying fuse settings. In this particular instance, the

1 fuse setting desired is set up on a Selsyn transmitter at the director station and transmitted to the Selsyn receiver SNR by wires, Fig. 19; the shaft of the Selsyn receiver rotates to a predetermined position in accordance with well recognized principles. The angular position of the Selsyn receiver shaft determines the neutral position. As the shaft of the Selsyn receiver rotates the neutral position is involved at correspondingly changed locations, also. Assume the shell has been timed and the gear I2 is in the neutral position and assume further that the position of the Selsyn receiver shaft is changed due to a signal transmitted from the control station; in that case the fuse motor automatically responds to the required new fuse setting or neutral position and causes the switches 59a and 59 to be rotated to the new neutral position. This is so, since if the gear I2 is rotated, switch 5% or switch St is closed by the cam M, with the result that the member 3 would be rotated in a corresponding direction, back to the neutral position. correspondingly the fuse would also be rotated.

The motor energiz'ation indicator Provisions are made to allow the gun operator to know when either the shell motor SM or the fuse motor FM is running at high speed. To this end, the relay windings SIR (shell indicator relay) and FIR (fuse indicator relay) are energized in accordance with the voltages existing across the armature circuit of 'shell motor SM and fuse motor FM respectively. Either one of the relay windings when fully energized produces sufficient magnetism to raise the indicator I, which is painted with luminous paint, adjacent to the window W. Y represents a portion of the outside surface of the fuse setter housing. The bar Z is of magnetic material and is biased in the downward position by the compression spring V. The indicator I is not raised when the fuse motor FM operates in the "setting zone because the voltage existing across the fuse motor armature is too low to operate the bar Z against the force of the spring V, due to the insertion of the voltage dropping resistor R1.

Modification disclosed in Figs. 3, 6 and 20 In the modification shown in the above figures, the switch 58 is eliminated. Referring to the figures the cam H4 is similar to the cam I4 in Fig. 2 but extends a little less than half the circumference of the gear I2 so that there will be no dead point within 180 opposite the cam I I. The switches 58a and 59' are rotatable about the points I86, I81 and are held in a normally closed position by the tension springs Illll and IGI, re spectively. The rollers H311 and H3 coact with the cam H4 to actuate the switches 59a and 59', respectively. Switch 51 is the high speed setting switch, is normally closed and is adapted to be open near the neutral position. The arm I56 thereof is pivoted about point I89 and the compression spring I88 tends to maintain switch 51' in a closed position. Roller Hi! on this arm coacts with the cam III to cause operation of switch 51, opening the switch when wiping the cam, which corresponds to the setting zon of Fig. 4. In the neutral position the normally closed switches 59a and 59 are both held open by cam I I4, as illustrated in Fig. 3, but upon relative movement of the members 3 and I2, one roller will be lowered on the cam so as to close, and the other member raised and will remain open.

In the modified arrangement, the armature circuits in the Ward Leonard or variable voltage drives are not broken and practically the same effect is realized by the use of differential fields. I

As shown in Fig. 20, the initial condition of the system with the motors M I and M2 operating, a circuit is completed through the shell motor field SMF including a resistance RIO. The fuse motor field FMF is likewise excited, including the resistance R I 2.

In View of the nature of the switches and cam arrangements described, when a shell is fully inserted in the shell holder (its fuse snugly engaged in the fuse holder), the switches 35 l5 A are closed and switches SH (shell high rate) and FH (fuse high rate) will be closed or open according to whether their pawls are on the periphery of shell or fuse or opened either on the flats 26 or by keying in the deep grooves 21 of the slots. Also, the switches SL (shell low rate) and F1 (fuse low rate) will be closed if their pawls are on the top face or flats 25 of the shell or fuse, or open, if fully keyed in the grooves 27 of the slots. By closing of the switch SL, a circuit is completed through the shell relay SR. This closes at SI a direct connection from the shell motor field around the resistance RIB to the service line, and also completes a low potential circuit in the shell generator field coil SGFC through the resistance RI I, and contacts S2. At the same time, the differential field circuit of the shell generator SG is opened at S3. Also at the same time, the brake circuit is closed at S5, releasing the brake so that rotation of the shell holder at a slow rate begins. This relay SR also opens, at S4, the circuit through a shell-and fuse relay SFR, which thereby and normally by gravity, opens fuse-setting-circuits by which, otherwise, the fuse motor functions in conjunction with the cams III and H4 and switches 59a59' and 5?. Relay SFR will be energized again when all the pawl switches are keyed, so as to restore said setting-circuits controlled thereby. With closing of the shell high rate switch SH (Fig, 7), the effect is to short out the resistance RH so that fiux is increased in the shell generator field coils SGFC and a maximum torque applied at the motor SM, until the pawl part ID of this switch encounters the fiat 2B of the shell slot (see Fig. 8) Thereupon the switch SH will open, restoring the effectiveness of the resistance RI I, and reducing the rate of rotation of the shell holder. At such time the switch SL remains closed (Fig. 11). When the pawls of both these switches engage or key in the deep part or groove 21 of the shell slot (Figs. 9 and 12), they are both opened, and the shell relay SR and circuits controlled thereby are restored to the initial condition thereof first described, the shell holder establishing a zero position in relation to the fuse for setting movements, wherever the pawls happen then to be in their orbits. As the pawls of both switches in the shell holder and in the fuse holder are on the same radius of the holder and engage a single groove of the shell or the fuse, as the case may be, the two pawls of each holder operate at the same time, but with the intermediate effect in switches SH and FH as before indicated when the flats are engaged, as in Figs. 8 and 14.

The circuit of the relay SFR includes a switch F2 of a fuse relay FR closed by gravity when the latter relay is deenergized, and completion of this SFR and fuse circuit at the shell relay (occurring with keying of the shell and fuse to their holders), again completes circuits from the cam switches 51, 59' and 59a. to, respectively, the resistance RM by-pass, a relay LCR (inductance clockwise relay), and a relay LCCR (inductance counterclockwise relay).

The fuse relay FR in Fig. 20 is energized by closure of the switch FL (fuse low rate) in the fuse holder, so as to open, at F2, the circuit through the relay SFR, and to close at FI a shunt circuit to the relay LCCR which would otherwise be energized only by closing of switch 59. When the pawl of switch FL is keyed, however (which will be coincident with keying of the pawl of switch FI-I) deenergizing relay FR, switch F2 will again close by gravity, restoring the switch 59' to controlling relation to the counterclockwise relay LCCR.

While the pawls of switches FL and FH engage the periphery of the fuse, the switch FL, in efiect, will function as a high torque switch, shorting the resistance RM through switch FH, by operating relay FR, and through the latters switch FI the relay LCCR, the latters uppermost switch LCCI effecting the completion of this short circuit to the fuse generator field FGFC. At the same time, the lowermost switch LCC4 of the last mentioned relay closes a by-pass connec tion around a resistance RI2 which otherwise is in series with the fuse motor field, FMF, and the service line. The operation and direction of torque developed by the current from the fuse generator FG is also at the same time established by the switch LCCI and switch LCCZ of this relay, as may be seen. The switch LCC3 at this relay ll opens the circuit of the differential field of the fuse generator FG, contributing further to the torque developed.

It will be noted that this condition in the system will produce the first movement of the fuse holder, in a counterclockwise direction, and, that this movement may occur simultaneously with clockwise rotation of the shell holder before the latter is keyed, because until then the circuit through relay SFR, is open at switch st of the shell relay, and both the shell motor and fuse motor are then operable independently, and are independent of the cams i H l id and their cooperating switches.

The counterclockwise operation of the fuse enables ready holding of the shell against rotation until the latter is keyed, and thereafter the shell brake will so hold the shell.

The relay SFR is energized only when the shell and the fuse are in keyed relation with the shell holder and fuse holder (Figs. 9, l2, 15, 18) deenergizing the fuse relay FR. However, when the pawls of switches FL and FH encounter the flats 2%, switch FL remains closed, and switch FI-I opens (Figs. 14-17), so that the rotation of the fuse in the modified form of Fig. 20 continues. The nature of the connection to the switch FH is such that it forms when closed a by-pass or short circuit to the fuse generator field coil FGFC around the resistance RM from the negative side of the line (at the fuse motor field lead) through the switch LCCI of relay LCCR, bridging switch LC! of relay LCR, and thence through the winding FGFC to the positive side of the line across switch LCCZ, speed of the motor before the switch FH opens. After its opening, restoration of the resistance RM reduces the speed of the motor by reducing the exciting flux of the generator.

After keying of the Jfuse'and fuse holder the system of Fig. ZO is established in a condition where it is responsive only to control currents of difierent polarities and different potentials supplied by agency of the cams i H l Hi, and switches 57', 59' and Elsa. This is due tothe deenergiz-ing of the shell relay and fuse relay, SR and FR, which close the relay SFR and complete circuits open at the last mentioned switches. Circuit of switch 5'! extends from the inner terminal of the resistance RM so as to form a short or shunt from switches LCZ and LCC2 to the line around the resistance, while the circuits of switches es and 59a include and are arranged to energize respectively the relays LCCR and LCR.

The latter relays are of identical effects in operation of the fuse motor with the'eXceptio-n that the polarities are reversed.

It may be understood from the description of the operation of the first form of the invention that the cam HI defines a setting zone where limited speed is desired in the final movement in setting the fuse, and in the instant modified embodiment the sole function of the single switch 5'! operating on this cam'is to make the resistance RM effective when the roller Hi! is raised by the cam. At all other times (with roller H off the cam) after keying of the fuse in its holder, the switch 57 closes a circuit without special impedance, from the negative side of the line to switches LCCI and LC! in the relays LCCR and LCR, which may be alternatively closed by the switches 59 and 59a respectively.

Before the switch '5 is operated by cam iH its roller may be a considerable distance from the cam, and inthat event the roller of switch This further contributes to the 59a or 55% will be a corresponding distance in ward on cam H from the'normal wiper pcsi tion illustrated in Fig. 3. This results in operation of the fuse motor in a direction which will move the cam to bring it back toward initial or neutral position at high speed by the most direct movement. The switch El functions with the cam ill while the one roller is still high on cam Elli but *near one end, and the other is approaching the cam at its far end, so that there is a minimum momentum manifest in the parts as the fuse and shell finally approach the neutral position which corresponds to the desired set relation or orientation, This eliminates tend ency to hunting movements, the friction between the fuse and shell being sufficient to stop the final slow movement when the low potential driving circuit is opened.

The setting zone does not indicate the possible error range in the setting of the fuse but extends so as to include a much wider degree of movement at each side of the exact settin indicated by the transmitted data. The final positioning of the fuse may be effected with. great exactitude by the proper adjustment of the switches and Ella so that the openingof their respective cir' cuits occurs while their wipers are at an intermediate level on the rather abruptly inclined end faces of the cam, substantially in the manner illustrated in Fig. 3, (and correspondingly at switches 59-55% in Fig. 2). Both switches 59 and 59a open to stop the fuse movement at this position while the switch 5? is open. The system is thus still ready for response in case data transmitted to the Selsyn receiver results me. change of position of the gear 52 with respect to the member 3, and this responsive condition continues until the shell is withdrawn.

The device in either form disclosed is adaptable to use so as to automatically incorporate dead time or predicting interval values in conventional ways, as may be appreciated.

While two switches have been found convenient for illustrating the functions embodied in the switches SH and SL, in actual practice it may be found desirable to use a single switch and pawl adapted to perform the necessary functions. The same is true of the FE and F'Lswitches.

The cam assembly, including the gear l2 and the Selsyn device may be termed a variable control means, meaning that the position at which control of the fuse motor becomes manifest to set the fuse as required may be varied in position according as the received data varies. This means may in some aspects include also the associated circuits to the fuse motor, the circuits of opposite polarities being considered driving elements for the motor,

While the term fuse setter has been employed herein to refer to the specific embodiment used, for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to such use but may be employed in other fields wherein it is desired to adjustably position one element with respect to another element in a similar manner.

I claim:

1. In a fuze setter for projectiles having a base part and a rotatable fuze member thereon, holding means for the projectile base part constructed to hold the same in a predetermined oriented position in the holding means, rotating means for the fuze member constructed to engage the latter in a predetermined oriented mutual relation therewith, an electric motor operatively connected to said rotating means, means constructed and arranged to operate said motor in either direction in response to respective opposite angular differences from a predetermined set position of the fuze member on said base part and to stop the motor in response to movement of said fuze member to said set position and including normally effective low potential motor operating circuits and including also control means operatively associated with said motor and circuits to stop the motor at said set position of the fuze member and base part, said control means variable operatively in relation to the base part according to a desired angular relation of said set position of the fuze member and base part to the axis of rotation of the fuze member to determine at will said set position of the fuze memberin relation to the said base "part, and means to augment the torque of said motor including a high potential motor operating circuit and means in the last named circuit operatively responsive only to relative angular positions of the fuze and said base member outside a given central zone of angular movement of the fuze member relatively to the base member adjacent said set position of the moment to apply high operating voltage to the motor.

2. In a machine of the character described, a rotatable shell holder, a rotatable fuse holder, respective electric motors connected in driving relation thereto, key means on each holder yieldable to shell and fuse when the latter are in inoperative positions in their respective holders, said key means operative and responsive to a predetermined orientation of shell and fuse in their holders to key the holders to shell and fuse respectively at said predetermined respective oriented positions of the shell and fuse to said respective holders, a brake for the shell holder, means normally operative and tending to apply the brake, and electrical means connected to and controlled by said key means of the shell holder at least and having a closed circuit state at inoperative position of the shell operative to release the brake overcoming said means tending to apply the brake and including a switch operatively connected to said key means of the shell holder to open the switch at keying position of the last named key means, and electrical orienting means for at least one holder responsive to said key means when both are in keying positions operative then to set the fuse in predetermined relation to the shell.

3. In a fuse setter of the character described, a projectile body holder, a rotating fuse holder for a rotative fuse element, said fuse holder and fuse element having predetermined relative operative positions, an electric motor operatively connected to the fuse holder and variable in speed in response to variations of potential in its energizing circuit, a low potential circuit for the motor including a switch and operating means therefor responsive to movement of the fuse holder within a limited zone of relative angular movement of the shell and fuse element adjacent said relative operative positions, a high potential circuit therefor, a switch in the last named circuit and operating means for the last named switch responsive to movement of the fuse holder within a predetermined greater range of positions beyond said limited zone, each said operating means and switch being responsive to positioning of the fuse and fuse holder at said relative operative positions to open said circuits.

4. In means for orienting and keying relatively rotatable shell and fuse of a projectile to respective holders, wherein said shell and fuse have longitudinal key grooves in each formed with a lateral part of intermediate depth in advance of the key groove proper, respective motors operatively connected to the holders to rotate the same independently, a high potential operating circuit for each motor and a low potential circuit for each motor, key means in each holder including a member yieldable to ungrooved parts of shell and fuse respectively spring loaded and including at least one member movable to keying engagement in a respective key groove, and switch means in each said high and low potential circuit operatively connected with respective key members, the low potential switch to open at keying position of the key member and the high potential switch to Open on engagement of'the' key member in said lateral part of the groove.

5. The structure of claim 4 including means to lock the shell holder against rotation responsive to switch opening engagement of all key members in said grooves, and a separate operating system for the motor of the other holder responsive to said switch opening engagement of all key members, said system including an angularly variable control means to operate the motor in response to variation of position of this holder from an arbitrary set position relative to the shell holder determined by said control means.

6. In a machine of the character described, a shell holder, a revoluble coaxial fuse holder, a reversible motor operatively connected to the fuse holder, motor circuits of opposite polarity including respective switches, mounted and connected mechanically with the fuse holder to rotate in a circular path in synchrony with the fuse holder, switch operating means normally tending to move each switch to one of its alternate positions, cam means mounted revolubly on the axis of rotation of said switches, said switches having operating members presented in and spaced on the path of the cam, said cam having spaced faces positioned and arranged to engage both operating members at one position of the cam relative to the operating members and being constructed to engage one only of the operating members at other positions of the cam relative to the operating members, and a constantly responsive remotely controlled operating means to rotate the cam in a required relation to the fuse and shell.

7. In a machine of the character described, a shell holder, a coaxial revoluble fuse holder, a reversible driving means operatively connected to the fuse holder, control means to control the direction of drive therefrom to the fuse holder including directional drive elements having connecting members mounted for translative rotation in a circular path and operatively connected to said fuse holder for rotation in synchrony with the fuse holder, said connecting members being spaced apart along said path and having movement on their mounting to respective alternate closed and open positions to connect and disconnect respective directional drive elements in said control means, a cam device revoluble on the axis of said path including a lobe element proporticned to engage and hold said connecting members both in inoperative positions at one relative position only of the cam and the connecting members, and to hold one connecting member at one of said alternate positions at other positions of the cam relative to the connecting members according to displacement of the cam from said one relative position, and remote control means to operate the cam.

8. 'The structure of claim 7 in which a second cam of small extent i fixed with the first cam, and a high torque driving element is included, alternatively operable in relation to and in the same direction as the driving means first mentioned, and including a connecting member mounted for movement with the first named control means positioned to be engaged by the second cam and held thereby in inoperative position until the first cam is near said one relative position of the cam and connecting members.

'9. A system of the character described comprising a revoluble shell holder and a coaxial revoluble fuse holder, each constructed to receive therein a shell and a fuse respectively and for keying engagement with the same at a given relative position of each holder with respect to the inserted part, means to rotate the holders, means to stop the shell holder operative in response to keying engagement of the shell holder and shell, reversible drive means for the fuse holder, means to establish at will a required final relative position of shell and separate means responsive to coincident keying of shell and fuse with the respective holders to operate the fuse holder alone, said separate fuse and means responsive to variation of the fuse in either direction from said required final relative position to operate the drive means for the fuse holder in an opposite direction.

10. In a fuse setter system including a rotatable shell holder and rotatable fuse holder having shell keying and fuse keying means respectively, respective motors for driving the holders, a fuse holder motor control circuit and a shell holder motor control circuit, the first named circuit including control switches on the fuse holder having operating members constructed and arranged to be engaged and moved to closed position by the fuse of an inserted projectile when not keyed, and movable to open circuit position in response to keying of the fuse and its holder, and the second named circuit including control switches on the shell holder having operating members constructed and arranged to be closed on insertion of a shell not keyed with the holder, the last named switches movable to open circuit position in response to key engagement of said shell keying means and shell, and a further switch means in series in at least the second circuit having two operating members of limited movement located at diametrically opposite sides of the holder and operative to close by engagement of peripheral portions of a shell fully inserted in the holder.

11. In a fuze setter machine of the character described wherein there are included a rotatable shell holder and a concentrically rotatable fuze holder constructed for respective insertion therein of a shell and a coaxial fuze simultaneously, variable speed driving means connected with each holder, means to automatically lock an inserted shell and fuze each in a predetermined oriented position in the shell holder and fuze holder respectively when the holders are in said oriented positions on the shell and fuze respectively; the improvement comprising means in the machine constructed and operatively associated with the driving means to control the speed of each driving means responsive to a given angular diilerence respectively of either holder from said oriented position on its inserted shell or fuze, said control means constructed to reduce the speed of the driving means in response to entry of the -shell and fuze within a predetermined minimum angular variation from said oriented position in the respective holder.

12. The structure of claim v11 including a separate control means responsive to orienting of shell and fuze in respective holders and operative consecutively with the first named control means to operate one holder, and means constructed and adapted to control the speed of the driving means responsive to angular difierence in position of the fuze with a given final set position of the fuze in relation to the shell body and to stop the fuze when said fuze is at said set position.

13. The structure of claim 2 in which a reversible motor is included in said electrical orienting means operatively connected to the fuse holder, said orienting means including means to connect said reversible motor so as to be alone operative when the fuse holder and i'use are in keyed relation, and separate means to corn trol operation and direction of the reversible motor, responsive toangular differences of the fuse holder from a given set position with respect to the shell holder.

14. An apparatus for rotatively positioning two objects relative to one another angularly comprising a holder for the first object and a holder for the second object, a motor connected to each holder to rotate the same, and electrical means including means in each holder responsive to relative rotation to a given mutual relation of the object and its holder for modifying operation of the motors including stoppage of at least one motor at a predetermined aligned position of the object and the holder, and means controlled .by said electrical means at said aligned position of the object and the holder to control at least one of the motors directionally in response to variances of the holders from a iven mutual angular set relation.

15. In a fuze setter, a holder for a shell and a holder for a fuze, a motor 'to rotate each of said holders, said holders each having a predetermined oriented position with respect to the shell and fuze respectively, a control circuit for each of said motors and means therein responsive to orienting of said shell and fuze, respectively, with respect to their holders to control actions of the motors, an electrical data receiver unit, a control circuit between said receiver unit and said fuze holder comprising switch means having one component movable relatively to the receiver uni-t responsive to signals received in thesaid receiver, and a component responsive to rotation of the fuze holder relative to the first named component, to alter action of at least one motor correspondingly.

16. In a fuze setter, a holder for a shell and a holder for a fuze, a motor to rotate each of said holders, said holders each having a predetermined oriented position with respect to the shell and fuze respectively, a, control circuit for each .of said motors and means therein responsive to orienting of said shell and fuze, respectively, with respect to their holders to control action of the motors, an electrical data receiver unit, a control circuit between said receiver unit and said fuze holder comprising switch means having one -cozn-' ponent movable relatively to the receiver unit responsive to signals received in the said receiver, and a component responsive to rotation of the fuze holder relative to the first component, and a connection between the shell holder .and that switch component associated with the receiver whereby the latter component bears a relation to a reference point on the shell holder as a controlling transmitter index device bears to a trans- 17. Ina fuze setter, a shell and a member for rotating its associated 17 mitter reference point as represented in said si nals.

member for rotating a same, and switch means for said circuits on said members responsive to engagement of said pawl means with the shell and fuze to control action of the motors.

18. In a fuze setter, a rotatable member for holding a shell and a member for rotating its associated fuze, a motor to rotate each of said members, a control circuit for each of said motors, pawl means on each of said members for engaging a shell and fuze to key the same, switch means in said circuits on said members responsive to engagement of said pawls with a shell and fuze respectively to close and open said circuits and modify actions of the motors, an electrical data receiver and rotatable support therefor, means to control position of the support relative to one of said first named members, a second control circuit for the fuze rotating member motor, switch means for said second circuit rotatable by the last mentioned motor and cooperating switch means independently rotatable by said receiver.

19. In a fuze setter, a rotatable member for holding a shell and a rotatable member for rotating its associated fuze, a motor to rotate each of said members, a respective control circuit for each of said motors, pawl means on each of said members for engaging a shell and fuze to key the same, switch means on said members responsive to engagement of said pawls with a shell and fuze respectively to close and open said circuits and to modify actions of the motors, an electrical data receiver and rotatable support therefor, means to control position of said support relatively to one of said first named two members, a separate control circuit for the fuze rotating member motor, switch means for said separate circuit rotatable by the last mentioned motor, cooperating switch means rotatable by the receiver, and a connection between the shell rotating member and the switch means rotatable by the receiver whereby a distantly determined and varying relative orientation of electrical data transmitter control parts is reproduced and the reproduction maintained in the relation of shell and fuze during rotation of at least one of said first named two members.

20. In a fuze setter, a rotatable member for holding a shell and a member for rotating its associated fuze, a motor to rotate each of said members, a respective control circuit for each of said motors, pawl means on each of said members for engaging the shell and fuze to key the same, switch means on said membersin said circuits responsive to engagement of said pawl means with a shell and fuze respectively to close and open said circuits and to modify actions of the motors, an electrical data receiver, a separate control circuit for the fuze rotating member motor, switch means for said separate circuit rotatable by the last mentioned motor, cooperating switch means independently rotatable by the receiver, and means to energize the said separate circuit, said latter means being responsive to deenergization of both the first mentioned control circuits.

21. In a fuse setter, a rotatable member for holding a shell and a member for rotating its associated fuse, a motor to rotate each of said 1mm.

bers, a respective control circuit for each of said motors, pawl means on each of said members for engaging a shell and fuse respectively to key the same, switch means'on said members in said circuits responsive to engagement of said pawl means with a 'shelland fuserespectively, an electrical data receiver, a separate control circuit for the fuse rotating member motor, switch means for said separate circuit rotatable by the last mentioned motor, cooperating switch means in saidsecond circuit independently rotatable by the receivensaid separate circuitbeing energized by operation of said first mentioned switch means on fuse and shell keying engagement of both said pawl means, said second circuit being deenergized by said second mentioned switch means in a particular position of said cooperating switch means with respect to said fuse rotating member, auxiliary circuits for right and left hand rotation of said fuse rotating member motor, and further switch means in the last named circuits rotatable by the receiver in a predetermined relation to said cooperating switch means responsive to right and left hand rotation of said cooperating switch means from said particular position to energize respective said auxiliary circuits.

22. In a fuze setter comprising a member for rotating a shell, a member for rotating its associated fuze, motors for actuating each of said members, a respective circuit for each of said motors, pawl means on said members for engaging slots in the shell and fuze respectively, switches cooperatively associated with said pawl means for opening the respective motor circuits on engagement of said pawl means in said slots, a third circuit for said fuze member motor, means to energize the third circuit in response to deenergization of the two first mentioned circuits said third circuit including an electric signal receiver having a movable member constructed to control operation of the fuze rotating motor when in predetermined extreme positions, and means to deenergize said third circuit responsive to a predetermined alignment between said movable element and said fuze rotating member.

23. In a fuze setter, a rotatable member for holding a shell and a member for rotating its associated fuze, a motor to rotate each of said members, a respective control circuit for each of said motors, pawl means on each of said members for engaging a shell and fuze respectively to key the same, switch means on said members in said circuits responsive to engagement of said pawls with a shell and fuze, an electrical data receiver, a third control circuit for the fuze rotating member motor, switch means for said third circuit rotatable by the last mentioned motor, and cooperating switch means rotatable by the said receiver, said third circuit being energized by operation of said first mentioned switch means on keying engagement of both said pawl means.

24. In a machine including a rotatable shell holder and a rotatable fuze holder, an electrical keying system including a holder rotating means, for connecting the shell holder to an inserted shell member when in a predetermined oriented mutual relation, like means for connecting the fuze holder and an inserted fuze member, a separate electrical fuze setting system, means to control the separate fuze setting system, respective means in each of the said keying systems responsive to orientation of the holders and respective inserted members to open the operative circuit thereof, a respective relay device in circuit with each of said keying systems operative on deenergization to Number setter systeifi. 1 932 181 I JOSEPH BORDEN. 1,749,643 I REFE mam Cl'fEfi I '5 g gggggg The following. references are of record in the 1:6121351 file of this patent: 1,021,250 UNITED 'sTA'ffi PATENTS 3552;; I J 1 Number Name Date 1,100,748 1,640,392 Be a,tty- Aug. 30, 1927 2,233,356 1,122,942 Kamifi'ski Dec. 29, 1941 20 I Name Date:.'.'..,.; Schwartz Aug. 21 I909 Me'thlin M214, 1930 Dawson 'Qct; 16, 19.28

J. Aug; ,7, 19.17

Beatty ,Jan.. 4, .1927 Hall 1; Mar. 25; 139.12 Richards .1 Dec. '10, 1907 McLain Laycock Whiting Feb. 25,- 1941 June 23, 1914 

